ISWI Chapter 120-123 (Patreon)

Chapter 120: The Previous Sect Master's Direct Disciple!

"Direct Disciple Ye!"

"Senior Brother Ye..."

The next day, dozens of Green Cloud Sect disciples, including Fa Zhen, gathered together. When they saw Ye Chen walking up the mountain path, their eyes lit up, and they quickly rushed to meet him. Seeing that Ye Chen still hadn't figured out the situation, they hurriedly shared the clues they had discovered with him.

"Senior Brother, if we unite and kill all the Misty Sect disciples that entered, we can definitely open the main hall at the summit."

"Senior Brother, you're the strongest. We'll follow your command!"

"That's right, I'm willing too!"

Even Fa Zhen was willing to follow Ye Chen's lead. After all, Ye Chen's strength was clear to everyone. He had been able to tie up the witch, Su Yuxuan, like that. There was nothing to question.

Ye Chen furrowed his brows upon hearing this. Was it really that sinister?

Ye Chen looked at everyone, then after a moment of thought, turned to Fa Zhen and said, "In that case, you go and deal with Su Yuxuan first..."

Fa Zhen was dumbfounded. "Me?"

Big brother, are you trying to get me killed?

Ye Chen wasn't joking anymore. After all, he was a disciple of Green Cloud Sect. He had enjoyed all the benefits that came with being a direct disciple, and he hadn't been shortchanged in any way. If something had to be done, he was more than willing to take the responsibility. He decided to lead everyone with him. They began their ascent.

As news spread, most of the Green Cloud Sect disciples gathered. Whenever they encountered a lone Misty Sect disciple, they swiftly killed them. However, even after all the Green Cloud Sect disciples had gathered, there were still only sixty of them.

Clearly, many had died during the previous night. But in the end, the Green Cloud Sect disciples were finally assembled. Under Ye Chen's command, they began to hunt down the Misty Sect disciples.

On the Misty Sect side, however, there was no leader. Su Yuxuan had disappeared. Several direct disciples had mysteriously died. There was no one left to take charge.

The Misty Sect disciples were scattered, easily being hunted down. The two sects had harbored grudges for a long time.

The Green Cloud Sect disciples were filled with excitement as they slaughtered their enemies. In the span of three days, nearly all of the Misty Sect disciples present had been killed. The blood-colored mist on the giant mountain grew even denser.

However, the main hall at the peak still showed no signs of opening. This caused Ye Chen to furrow his brows. The Green Cloud Sect disciples, who had been united, now looked at the tightly closed hall doors with changing expressions, growing increasingly wary.

The Misty Sect disciples had been mostly wiped out, but it still wasn't enough. Could it be that more must die before the hall would open? For a moment, the atmosphere shifted…

At that moment, Su Yuxuan's silvery laugh rang out. "Senior Brother Ye, we had an agreement to kill our Misty Sect disciples first, and if that wasn't enough, we'd start killing your Green Cloud Sect disciples. I've personally taken care of those few Misty Sect direct disciples. With the leadership gone, it was easy to kill them, wasn't it? But since the doors still haven't opened, it seems it's your turn now, Senior Brother. Hee hee, should I help you out?"

As Su Yuxuan's words fell, the disciples who had been gathered around Ye Chen instinctively took a few steps back, eyeing him with suspicion.

Ye Chen sighed helplessly. In truth, the reason the Misty Sect disciples were so easily killed earlier, Without even a semblance of organized resistance, Ye Chen had already suspected that it was likely Su Yuxuan's doing.

Now it was clear. To open the main hall, she had sold out over a hundred of her fellow disciples. Now, realizing it wasn't enough, she was trying to sow discord again. Truly, the little demoness with the fifty-fold multiplier.

"I did not cooperate with Su Yuxuan, and I will not act against everyone here."

Ye Chen said seriously.

However, Su Yuxuan's voice rang out again. "Senior Brother, if you don't kill them, the doors won't open, and the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method won't appear. No one will be able to leave. Senior Brother, you have such a bright future ahead of you. Are you really going to stay in this secret realm and wait to die?"

As Su Yuxuan's words provoked the disciples, they instinctively began to distance themselves from Ye Chen. When a leader was needed, Ye Chen's strength made him the most reliable. But when it came down to it, who would want to be trapped in the secret realm for the rest of their life?

Infighting was inevitable. In such a situation, it was naturally better to stay as far from Ye Chen as possible. So, the disciples, once united, now split into small, wary groups, moving further away from Ye Chen.

Ye Chen shook his head. Splitting up was nothing more than seeking death. Aside from anything else, Su Yuxuan would not let them off. And sure enough, that very night, screams echoed from several corners of the main peak.

Sounds of battle rose and fell.

Ye Chen sighed deeply and closed his eyes to rest. The blood mist that enveloped the giant mountain grew denser and denser. It seemed as if it could affect one's mind, stirring the deepest desires within human hearts.

The sounds of slaughter grew louder.

The next day, a few disciples even looked at him with greedy expressions, And came charging at him. The outcome, of course, was clear. But it was also evident that the blood mist had completely clouded the minds of many disciples.

A few hidden disciples from the Misty Sect even emerged voluntarily to join in the killing. In no time, blood flowed like a river.

After three days had passed, the giant mountain seemed to settle into a complete silence. The peak's main hall, which had been eerily quiet, finally began to open slowly.

...

Ye Chen stood before the hall doors, a sense of unease lingering in his mind. He was about to enter when a blood-red shadow suddenly shot past him and into the hall.

"If Senior Brother isn't going in, then I'll go first..."

Before a single breath had passed, the shadow rushed back out.

Su Yuxuan stood next to Ye Chen. "Senior Brother, let's go in together! It feels... a little off inside. I'm scared..." she said with a sweet smile.

Ye Chen's lips twitched. Having come this far, there was no turning back, no matter what. He glanced at Su Yuxuan, then stepped forward to enter. Su Yuxuan followed closely behind.

The hall inside was vast. The dim lights flickered, casting an eerie glow. Once the two of them entered, the hall doors automatically shut behind them.

Neither Ye Chen nor Su Yuxuan paid much attention to it. At the far end of the hall was a table. A blood-red figure sat at the table. In its hand, it casually tossed a jade slip, quietly waiting for their arrival.

As Ye Chen and Su Yuxuan approached, both narrowed their eyes.

The figure was incredibly faint. It wasn't human; it was a ghost. But its soul was red and purple, as if solidified into something tangible. The stench of blood was overwhelming.

As soon as Su Yuxuan saw the figure's face, her eyes widened in shock. "You're Senior Brother Bai?"

Upon hearing Su Yuxuan's words, the red figure immediately grinned. "I didn't expect you to recognize me. Looks like you're Junior Sister! I've been watching you for a long time, Junior Sister. You're so cute and clever. Later, I'm definitely going to enjoy you thoroughly," he said, his grin widening.

Su Yuxuan's expression darkened. "He is Bai Xunhuan, the previous sect master's direct disciple. His talent was monstrous. He entered the secret realm ten years ago and never came out. Everyone thought he was dead..."

"I recognized him from the portraits I've seen," she continued, her voice slightly strained. "Not only was his cultivation level high, but he was also a master of array formations."

Ye Chen nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this. It didn't surprise him that there were survivors from the previous group. After all, it had only been ten years. For cultivators, that was nothing. But what had happened to him? How had he ended up in this form? And more importantly, he had the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method. Why hadn't he left?

Bai Xunhuan, noticing their confusion, seemed eager to explain, perhaps from having been alone for ten years. After greedily eyeing Ye Chen's body, he began to share the details of how he had spent these ten years. The incredible things he had done. The slaughter outside had only been to pave the way for him.

In short, Bai Xunhuan had a lot to say. He was eager to share everything with the two of them. To enjoy their shock, awe, and fear.

"You must be really curious about me..."

However, before Bai Xunhuan could finish, Ye Chen slammed his hand forward, sending a massive force into the air. "Shut up! I'm not curious!"

Bai Xunhuan had imagined many things he would say when the moment came for this encounter. But before he could even begin to speak, Ye Chen's interruption crushed his words back down.

Bai Xunhuan clenched his fists in frustration...

Chapter 121: Boundless Blood Soul

Ye Chen had always hated cutscenes in video games. If he could skip them, he would. After all, no matter how the story went, it always ended with a battle. So, without hesitation, he delivered a powerful slap.

Bai Xunhuan's expression darkened. He transformed into a blood-red light, dodging the massive palm. He didn't retaliate but instead swiftly retreated, pulling back deep into the hall.

Then he spoke, "When we entered ten years ago, the only thing left here were the demon spirits of the Boundless Demon Sect. As long as all the demon spirits are cleared out, the main hall will open. The Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method will appear.

"Unfortunately, it seems the secret realm hadn't been opened for too long, and the demon spirits were too many. We fought desperately, and in the end, only I and another survived. He lost his mind and was driven mad by the demon spirits. My physical body was destroyed! But by some twist of fate, as my soul dissipated, I merged with the demon spirits..."

...

Watching Bai Xunhuan, who had positioned himself at a distance, Ye Chen couldn't help but twitch his lips.

Damn, so you're forcing me to endure this plot, huh?

Bai Xunhuan's face showed a smile, possibly as he prepared to boast about his accomplishments.

"After merging with the demon spirits, I discovered that I had gained some authority over formations. So, I opened a corner of the secret realm and released that madman. Over the next ten years, I not only completely refined the demon spirits, but I also acquired the cultivation method of the Boundless Blood Soul.

"To think, the Boundless Blood Soul is a soul technique that can only be cultivated after reaching Foundation Establishment. But because I merged with the demon spirits, I can cultivate it even at the Qi Refining stage.

"As long as I have enough blood from cultivators, I can refine the Boundless Blood Soul and reclaim a physical body. Then, I set up formations all over the giant mountain and opened the secret realm, allowing you to come in.

"After that, everything proceeded exactly as I had planned—smoothly, almost unbelievably so. Now, I've fully cultivated the Endless Blood Soul, and my soul body has reached the Foundation Establishment stage. Even an elder from the Misty Sect wouldn't stand a chance against me."

"Next, I'll take your body, perform the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment, and then enjoy the company of a lovely Junior Sister. I, Bai Xunhuan, am truly the chosen one by fate!"

As he finished speaking, possibly even impressed with himself, Bai Xunhuan let out a cackling laugh. He was ready to savor the fear in their eyes.

Ye Chen couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth as he listened. Su Yuxuan killed an elder's son, and you killed an elder yourself. The life of a Demon Sect elder was indeed a dangerous job—one that not only brings misfortune to oneself but also ensures that their lineage is cut off.

Ye Chen had never been fond of watching others gloat. Having heard a bunch of useless talk, he wasn't in a rush anymore. His gaze shifted to Su Yuxuan, who had unknowingly moved behind him, and he asked, "Were there any other disciples in the same batch as this Senior Brother Bai who managed to do well?"

Su Yuxuan blinked a few times, thinking for a moment. "Three of them have reached Foundation Establishment, and one of them is even at the mid Foundation Establishment stage..."

"Well..." Ye Chen nodded, not saying much, and then raised an eyebrow at Bai Xunhuan.

The implication was clear.

It had been ten years, and your batchmates have already reached the mid Foundation Establishment stage. What have you been doing for ten years? You've barely managed to cultivate the Boundless Blood Soul and achieved some Foundation Establishment-like power. And yet you call yourself the chosen one?

Bai Xunhuan, who had been eagerly waiting to savor their fear and dread, found his eyes growing even redder. His fists tightened. This brat was far too annoying.

...

"Since you're eager to die, then I'll grant your wish! I'll take your body and thoroughly enjoy this Junior Sister. Then, I'll personally refine your entire family into the Human Emperor Banner!"

Bai Xunhuan's voice, once filled with arrogant swagger, turned chillingly cold after his boast was interrupted so many times.

Ye Chen, standing in place, remained completely unafraid. He had worked hard for three years, walking on the edge, step by step, to get to this point. The accumulation of his efforts was beyond imagination.

Not only was Bai Xunhuan nothing more than a soul without a physical body, boasting about his Foundation Establishment power, but even if a true Foundation Establishment cultivator stood before him, Ye Chen would still want to test his strength.

The battle was about to begin.

As Su Yuxuan watched the impending battle between the two, she realized that both of them had completely ignored her. So, barefoot, she subtly stepped back, retreating even further. Her beautiful eyes, however, were fixed on the jade slip that Bai Xunhuan had casually tossed onto the table. It was exactly what she had been craving—the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method.

Su Yuxuan couldn't help but lightly lick her lips. Before setting out, the Sect Master had secretly handed her a second-tier top-grade Break-Seal Talisman.

Su Yuxuan had tested it before; the Boundless Demon Sect's secret realm might have aged over time, and the formations were weakening. With the Break-Seal Talisman, she could open the secret realm and escape. As long as she took the opportunity during their battle, she could grab the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, and then directly break the secret realm and flee. No one would be able to catch her.

At that point, she could find a secluded place and perform her own Foundation Establishment in secret. Once she succeeded in the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment, she would be able to wipe out those old fools with ease.

But just as Su Yuxuan was formulating her plan, Ye Chen, who was preparing to battle Bai Xunhuan, glanced back at her.

After a brief moment of thought, he raised his hand and flicked a few talismans toward the table.

"Top-grade Seal Talisman. Top-grade Alert Talisman. Top-grade Vajra Talisman!"

The three talismans enveloped the jade slip containing the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, securing it tightly. Even with all those present, trying to break through and take the Foundation Establishment method would require considerable effort.

Su Yuxuan's plan to snatch the method and run was now impossible. She inwardly cursed Ye Chen, calling him a heartless person.

At this point, Su Yuxuan even considered joining forces with Bai Xunhuan to deal with Ye Chen first. Even if Bai Xunhuan didn't care about his physical body, he really wanted to kill Ye Chen.

His blood-red soul body coldly stared at Ye Chen, and in an instant, endless blood mist surged into the hall from every corner, filling every gap.

In just a few breaths, the mist thickened to the point that it felt almost solid. Not only did the visibility shrink to less than a meter, but even his spiritual sense became fuzzy beyond five meters. Moreover, being surrounded by the blood mist made one's mind restless and affected mental clarity.

Ye Chen, no matter how confident he was, didn't want to fight in the other party's domain. Opening his Emperor's Qi Viewing Technique, he still couldn't see clearly enough. This blood soul truly had some power.

Ye Chen took a talisman from his pouch, activated it, and threw it out. The talisman burned in the air. Within a few hundred square meters of the surrounding blood mist, it was completely purified.

"Top-grade Exorcism Talisman?"

Bai Xunhuan was slightly surprised but quickly sneered. "I admit, you've come prepared. But the blood mist over the entire giant mountain is under my control. Now, how will you handle this situation?"

The blood mist in the hall rapidly replenished.

Bai Xunhuan's mocking laughter echoed all around, impossible to pinpoint. But soon, his laughter ceased. That's because he saw Ye Chen, expressionless, pull out another talisman.

Ye Chen raised his hand and threw the talisman in all directions. At this moment, the blood mist in the entire hall seemed to boil, rapidly dissipating at an observable speed. This ridiculous rate of purification indicated that the talismans Ye Chen had thrown were all top-grade Exorcism Talismans!

How was that possible? Those were top-grade Exorcism Talismans! One of those costs five middle-grade spirit stones each. Ye Chen must have thrown at least a dozen of them! What kind of family could afford to provide a Qi Refining cultivator with a dozen top-grade talismans? And all of them Exorcism Talismans?

Ten years ago, even as the sect master's direct disciple, being able to prepare a few different top-grade talismans for emergencies was enough to make the entire sect envious.

Could it be that, after spending ten years in this secret realm, the talisman-making technology in the cultivation world had advanced to the point where even top-grade talismans were so common?

Chapter 122: Final Battle In Qi Refining

With a dozen top-grade Exorcism Talismans thrown, the blood mist completely dissipated. The hall regained its clarity. The nauseating smell of blood in the air turned sweet and fragrant.

Bai Xunhuan, being nothing but a blood soul, had no expression to change. If he had a face, it would have likely turned pale with rage on the spot.

The blood mist was just a bonus. It was meant to torment Ye Chen even more. If it wasn't needed, it was no big deal. But this kid hadn't done a single thing to please him since they first met.

At this moment, Bai Xunhuan's killing intent seemed to solidify into something tangible.

However, in front of Bai Xunhuan, Ye Chen remained unfazed. He had kept the top-grade Divine Wind set on since before. They had simply changed their appearance. Now, they were fully restored.

Ye Chen reached into his storage ring and pulled out the matching hat, placing it on his head.

He also grabbed the accompanying Divine Wind sword and held it in his hand. The complete top-grade magic tool set nearly blinded Bai Xunhuan with its brilliance. The price of top-grade magic tools was hard to overstate. Even for direct disciples, having a top-grade magic tool was considered a sign of wealth.

If someone also had a top-grade magical robe, they were either the sect master's illegitimate child or came from a family with great wealth.

But Ye Chen had put on the entire set? What was even more shocking was that it looked like a full set!

The value of this was beyond comprehension. The last time Bai Xunhuan had seen the term "top-grade magic tool set" was in a novel.

In Bai Xunhuan's mind, only a direct disciple of the highest sect, such as the Divine Will Sect, could enjoy such luxury in the Qi Refining stage.

Yet now, someone was really standing before him, fully outfitted in the set. The shock was unimaginable. Could Ye Chen be the sect master's illegitimate son from Green Cloud Sect?

Meanwhile, Su Yuxuan, standing to the side, stared at Ye Chen, who looked so handsome it nearly blinded her. Her expression mirrored Bai Xunhuan's. She was dumbstruck…

After putting on the set, Ye Chen took out a string of talismans and hung them at his waist. Just like his robes, these were specially designed with designated spaces to hold talismans, allowing for quick and easy access.

Bai Xunhuan's lips twitched. Although he couldn't see clearly, just by sensing the spiritual power emanating from the talismans, it was clear that they were all of high quality.

But Ye Chen wasn't done yet!

After a moment of thought, Ye Chen took out two rings and slipped one onto his left hand and the other onto his right. Both were top-grade spiritual tools.

Ye Chen then took out a pair of earrings and a necklace. However, after some hesitation, he seemed to think it was enough. He put them back.

Ye Chen had never been fond of fighting. With his system, he preferred peaceful development rather than combat. Moreover, the enemies he had faced so far were too weak. Despite having a lot of powerful items, he never had the chance to use them.

But as the saying goes, "Riches and honor not returned to one's hometown is like wearing luxurious clothes in the dark." It would be a waste not to use the resources he had prepared, especially when about to break through to Foundation Establishment.

It was like playing a game: you gather the best gear, but before you can even use it, the new version with new gear drops.

Isn't that frustrating?

So, since this was likely his last battle before his Foundation Establishment, he decided to use everything he had so that he wouldn't have any regrets.

After everything was prepared, Ye Chen smiled at Bai Xunhuan and said, "You're quite the gentleman, not interrupting my show of strength. It almost makes me feel a little guilty about what happened earlier. As a token of gratitude, I'll make sure you die quickly. But then again, since you're just a soul now, wouldn't it be better to die sooner?"

In the next moment, Ye Chen surged forward with immense power.

Bai Xunhuan, filled with killing intent, howled in fury, his blood shadow rising and charging at Ye Chen. He wasn't being considerate. He was simply stunned by Ye Chen's wealth of resources. He had even wondered if the direct disciples of the Divine Will Sect had the kind of wealth Ye Chen had.

But no matter how well-equipped Ye Chen was, or how rich his resources were, so what? He, with his Foundation Establishment Blood Soul, could easily kill an ordinary Foundation Establishment elder. Let alone a mere Qi Refining cultivator.

In an instant, the two confident individuals clashed. Endless blood shadows soared through the air, slicing toward Ye Chen from all directions, intent on devouring his flesh and blood.

Ye Chen let out a fierce roar. He spat out an endless stream of flame mixed with starlight. The blood shadows instantly vanished.

Bai Xunhuan, who was mixed within the blood shadows, was blasted a hundred meters away by the force. This was the Starry Sky Roar spell, amplified by the effect of Myriad Star Fire.

Ye Chen charged forward with a mighty roar. The Five Elements Sky Step spell, amplified by his Divine Wind set, made his speed incredibly fast.

Bai Xunhuan was stunned. He turned into a blood shadow, attempting to evade. But his speed was no match for Ye Chen's. With a single sword strike, the purple sword energy illuminated the entire hall.

Gu Yunyun had always thought that Ye Chen struggled with his cultivation, which is why she never taught him swordsmanship. After all, she thought, with her protection, Ye Chen would be fine.

However, Ye Chen had secretly given a few sword techniques to some female disciples, and his swordsmanship was just as divine. He had planned to surprise his master one day. And under the overwhelming sword energy, which seemed to shatter everything and even hinted at a nascent form of "one sword to break all laws,"

Bai Xunhuan was directly cleaved in half.

...

However, soon after, Bai Xunhuan's soul, which had been cleaved in half, began to recover. Though slightly dimmed, the formations on the ground automatically started replenishing Bai Xunhuan's blood essence. His soul quickly returned to its full, crimson state.

Bai Xunhuan glared venomously at Ye Chen. "You are indeed strong, but I possess the Boundless Blood Soul, a soul that cannot die, no matter how many times it's killed. I'll see how long you can last! Once you're dead, everything you have now will be mine!"

This made Su Yuxuan, who had been watching from the corner in awe of Ye Chen's strength, jump in surprise once more. To not die even after being cleaved in two and to recover fully?

The Boundless Blood Soul—this was a power that would give even Foundation Establishment cultivators a headache if they saw it. Although Ye Chen was absurdly strong, if this dragged on, the outcome would certainly be grim.

So, while Ye Chen was keeping Bai Xunhuan occupied, she had to get the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method and leave immediately.

Su Yuxuan did her best to lower her presence, quietly sneaking toward the table...

...

Hearing Bai Xunhuan's words, Ye Chen smiled.

"Oh? That's wonderful!"

Ye Chen wasn't speaking sarcastically. He genuinely believed it was great. The number of spells he had prepared was truly vast. In the past, when facing enemies, battles typically ended after just a few moves. Now, he could finally indulge in the fight!

Ye Chen wasn't in a hurry. As for not being able to last? Looking at the abundant energy in his vast dantian, He still had more than enough.

But Bai Xunhuan's reminder was quite helpful. So, Ye Chen casually took a few top-grade Qi Restoration Pills and popped them into his mouth.

Then, with Bai Xunhuan's astonished gaze on him, Ye Chen once again launched himself forward.

"Heaven-Destroying Hand…"

"Yellow Spring Palm…"

"Five Elements Ice Fire Nine Heavens…"

"Hidden Dragon Fire Sea…"

"Illusory Break of the Four Directions…"

"…"

One terrifying spell after another rained down on Bai Xunhuan. What had once seemed like a fight where he could easily defeat Foundation Establishment cultivators had turned into a complete struggle for his life.

Bai Xunhuan, who had believed himself invincible in the face of Foundation Establishment cultivators, now doubted his very existence. He even began to question: Had he truly been in this secret realm for only ten years? Was it possible that the time flow was different, and outside, millennia had passed? Otherwise, how could there be such a monstrous Qi Refining cultivator? If Qi Refining cultivators were this powerful, what level must the Foundation Establishment cultivators be at now?

Looking at his increasingly thin Boundless Blood Soul, which could no longer replenish itself, Bai Xunhuan's mindset had completely shifted!

Chapter 123: The Tragic Past of Su Yuxuan!

"You brat, if you've got the guts... then give me a quick death!"

Bai Xunhuan's mindset completely shattered, his anger boiling over in a furious roar. Until now, he had been thrilled with the creation of the Boundless Blood Soul, believing that the path to his rise was right before him.

But now, the very restoration power of the Boundless Blood Soul was driving him to despair. Faced with an opponent wearing a full set of top-grade magic tools, none of his attacks seemed to affect Ye Chen. His spells were ridiculously powerful, but the enemy's mana seemed endless, as if there was no bottom to it. It was all too hopeless...

Bai Xunhuan truly wanted to die at this point. However, fortunately, the Boundless Blood Soul wasn't truly invincible. As the blood essence stored in the formation continued to thin, Bai Xunhuan's recovery speed slowed down drastically. Against someone as ridiculously strong as Ye Chen, even if a Foundation Establishment elder showed up, they would likely be no match for him.

Bai Xunhuan lay flat, giving up all resistance. At that moment, a radiant fireball, glowing like a blazing sun, crashed toward him.

Bai Xunhuan looked at the fireball, which resembled a setting sun. In his mind, memories from his past surfaced. Before he joined the Misty Sect, he had been running under the sunset with a girl from a neighboring house who admired him... that was his lost youth!

Sadly, the girl and her family were now dead. Perhaps, in the face of death, Bai Xunhuan experienced a fleeting moment of sorrow for the things he had lost. He calmly turned to Su Yuxuan and said, "Blood Spirit Root, be careful of your master…"

...

"Boom!"

The entire hall shook.

When the flames dissipated, Bai Xunhuan, who had been trapped in the secret realm for ten years, was completely gone. All that remained was a blood-red stone on the ground, exuding a murderous aura.

Did it drop loot?

Ye Chen stretched out comfortably. This final battle in Qi Refining was actually quite satisfying. With a gentle gesture, the blood-red stone immediately landed in his hand.

Ye Chen examined it and quickly figured out what it was. It was a material for the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method.

For the ordinary Foundation Establishment, no special materials were needed. But for the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment or Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishment, corresponding spiritual materials were required.

Moreover, the Foundation Establishment method needed to be paired with the right spiritual material, as different methods required different materials. This explained why the Earth-Dao and Heaven-Dao Foundation Establishments were so precious.

No wonder Bai Xunhuan casually tossed the jade slip aside. Without the spiritual material, even possessing the jade slip was useless.

Collecting the crimson stone, Ye Chen turned his gaze toward the table. The jade slip remained in its place. However, the spell that had once been inscribed upon it was now inexplicably broken.

Ye Chen smiled faintly at Su Yuxuan, who was deliberately keeping her distance from the table, her expression one of innocence. Yet, in the depths of her eyes, a trace of shock flickered. "Did you break the talisman?"

Su Yuxuan hastily shook her head. "No, it wasn't me, I didn't. It must have been Senior Brother's overwhelming power. Just a gentle brush of the spell, and it was forcibly shattered without even entering!"

Ye Chen's lips curled upward.

"I don't believe a word of that."

When he had been fighting Bai Xunhuan earlier, Ye Chen had found time to observe Su Yuxuan. She had been furtively working to unravel the spell's power and take the jade slip.

Ye Chen placed the jade slip and the Foundation Establishment spiritual artifact together, smiling as he spoke, "Both the Foundation Establishment method and the spiritual artifact are here. Don't you want to take them?"

At his words, Su Yuxuan's lips curled in disdain.

"Are you trying to get me killed, just say it outright."

Despite being relentlessly suppressed in the fight, Bai Xunhuan had still managed to counterattack with spells of astonishing strength, clearly reaching the early stages of Foundation Establishment. Yet, he was still forcefully obliterated. In the end, he simply collapsed.

Su Yuxuan felt that Ye Chen had grown even stronger since their last encounter. And it had only been a little over a month. How had he done it?

Although her heart was filled with curiosity, Su Yuxuan wore a meek expression, like that of an innocent little rabbit. "Senior brother, only if you give it to me, will I accept it. If you don't give it to me, I wouldn't dare to take it. Everything you said, I remember clearly!"

Ye Chen's smile widened. From Su Yuxuan's behavior in the secret realm, it was clear she was ruthless and cunning. But when she needed to act timid, she was exceptionally docile.

Seeing that Ye Chen had no intention of acting, Su Yuxuan's mind began to race. Although Ye Chen was unlikely to give her what she wanted, just as he hadn't given her the spiritual fire last time, it wouldn't hurt to try. And if she succeeded, it would undoubtedly give her more confidence in her future plans.

She fluttered her long lashes, her full lips slightly pouting, "Senior brother, you're so strong now. The path of Foundation Establishment is no longer meaningful for you. Once you break through, you will undoubtedly sweep through the entire Foundation Establishment stage! Even the strongest in the Foundation Establishment, Gu Yunyun, would be no match for you, senior brother. But as for me..."

As she spoke, Su Yuxuan's eyes reddened.

"I never truly wished to cultivate immortality, nor did I ever want to join any demonic sect. I originally lived in a small village, with parents, and a lovely younger brother. My mother was always making plans to find me a good marriage, a generous bride price, and to ensure my brother could one day marry. I was happy with that.

"But the moment I donned my bridal gown and stepped into the wedding sedan, preparing to head to my unseen fiancé's home... my master arrived. My parents, my brother, my friends and all my loved ones were taken by my master and imprisoned within the Human Emperor Banner. And I, because I possessed a blood spirit root, was taken as her disciple.

"My master said, as long as I cultivated well and reached the Golden Core stage, she would return the souls of my parents and brother to me. Until I reach Golden Core, my parents and brother will remain trapped in the banner, suffering torment every day.

"Senior brother, I truly suffer every day! I desperately need the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, for the difficulty of breaking through to the Golden Core through the ordinary Foundation Establishment is too high. Only the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment can increase the chances of success... Senior brother, I beg you, please, help me..."

As Su Yuxuan spoke, it seemed she could no longer hold back her emotions, and she began to sob uncontrollably. Her tears fell like blooming pear blossoms, and even her nose ran. Her emotions were so sincere, it was almost too much to bear. It didn't look like an act at all.

However, Ye Chen did not believe her. He had seen many similar scams in his previous life. He had never fallen for these tricks. Let alone a ruthless little demoness who could kill without a second thought and didn't care if her fellow disciples perished.

But disbelief aside, after examining the details of the Foundation Establishment method, Ye Chen made up his mind. This Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment opportunity was much more suited to Su Yuxuan.

The Boundless Demon Sect seemed to be the blood Dao demon sect. And both the Foundation Establishment method and the spiritual artifact were similarly aligned.

Coupled with Su Yuxuan's blood spirit root, it was a perfect match. In comparison, Yao Xi wasn't as well-suited. Not to mention that Su Yuxuan's multiplier was already higher than Yao Xi's. Add a critical strike to that...

Thus, Ye Chen displayed a sympathetic expression. With a gentle motion, he wiped away the tears on Su Yuxuan's delicate face with his palm. As for the runny nose? Ye Chen refrained from touching it...

Feeling Ye Chen's hand, Su Yuxuan shuddered for a moment. But soon, her eyes widened in astonishment.

"I never imagined you had such a past! Well, it makes sense. With your looks, I could tell you weren't a bad person. It's clear that falling into the demonic path wasn't your true intention! I've seen the Earth-Dao Foundation Establishment method, and it's perfectly suited for your blood spirit root. Since you need it so much, I'll give it to you. May you reunite with your family soon."